Dr. Daniel has extensive expertise in public affairs, economic development, housing, transportation, education, gerontology and local political thought. Having obtained a Ph.D. in public policy and public administration, she has studied the theories of public service. Also, she has been a social science researcher and involved in public organizations for over three decades, therefore, she also understands the practical side of public service. Professionally, she served as a U.S. Congressional staff member and worked with the American Red Cross. Prior to her election to Commissioners Court, Dr. Daniel worked with Dallas ISD in program evaluation and accountability for seven years and is also adjunct professor of urban and public affairs at UT-Arlington.

Dr. Daniel has a long track record of community service with groups such as the League of Women Voters, local neighborhood associations and civic organizations, her local church and schools. She and her family live in the White Rock Lake area.

Theresa Daniel, Dallas County Commissioner Accomplishments

Took on fair share of work load

Chair of IT Committee

Actively involved in software development process for revamping various court management systems

Co Chair Behavioral Health Leadership Team

Actively involved in next steps of community mental health care delivery

Co Chair Civil Service Committee

Complement members to arrive at fair decisions based on the facts

Reviewing basis for salary structure inter- and intra-department

Active in statewide county administrative organization, Conference of Urban Counties

Testified at legislative committee hearings on behalf of Dallas County

Became familiar with all aspects of county work

Visited every county office in the district to meet staff and observe firsthand how work was done – tax office, JP courts, etc.

Met with departments at their offices for hands-on introduction of work performed – DA’s office, forensics, Mosquito traps, the new Parkland, Elections and Community Organizations of Public Health

Met with member cities to work cooperatively on public works and trails projects in preparation for FY 2013 budgets

Tour buildings to become aware of space utilization and maintenance needs

Read, Read, Read

Kept campaign promises

Set up constituent service process and record keeping

Selected and appointed all possible district appointments with last one in process

Made board appointments as capable and diverse as district

Asked for participation at court meetings from every part of district through invitations for invocation

Used past experiences to bring people together so that all sides are better informed and use combined resources more efficiently, e.g. Juvenile department academic leaders and school district higher education and career directors

Staffed and set up two offices reflecting diversity and new directions of district

Formed links between citizens and local government through internship programs with high school- and college-level students

Conducted Town Hall meeting for entire district as introduction and community education

Continual outreaching to all geographical parts of the district as well as all constituent groups – regional LULAC meeting at Eastfield College-Pleasant Grove campus, South Asian Academic presentation, Richardson Chamber of Commerce member orientation, Ferguson Road Initiative neighborhood meeting, Visit with Garland NAACP; Sponsored the Lake Highlands FunRun benefiting a piece of the White Rock Trail

Presented resolutions to recognize a 30-year employee’s retirement, Women History Month based on local women accomplishments, 100th Anniversary of Children’s Hospital, LGBT Pride Month and many others.